Thousands joined in National Indigenous Peoples Day, reconciliation celebrations
- EFN Staff | June 21, 2017
Almost 5,000 people of all ages, classes, cultures and abilities celebrated National Aboriginal Day and the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation in Saskatoon’s Victoria Park.
A Pipe Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. kicked off many National Aboriginal Day activities being held throughout the day. The “Rock Your Roots” Walk began with participants and groups encouraged to celebrate their unique cultural heritage by holding or wearing traditional symbols of their culture or organizations during the “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation.
Along the way, Magic City Chorus, bagpiper Max Laplant, Many Nations Dancers with Wild Horse and John Arcand and Jordan Daniels entertained the walkers. The Creeland Square Dancers and several young cultural entertainers kept the crowd entertained for the afternoon of celebrating the last National Aboriginal Day. Prime Minister Trudeau surprised many people by announcing this morning that the day will now be called National Indigenous Peoples Day.
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The “Rock Your Roots” Walk follows a month-long series of events launched by Reconciliation Saskatoon on May 17 to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events educate and inspire citizens on the process of Canadian reconciliation and to answer the calls.
Reconciliation Saskatoon’s theme for the Walk this year was answering the calls. Leading by example, Reconciliation Saskatoon shared videos and testimonials highlighting ways members responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
Reconciliation Saskatoon is a 58-member initiative of organizations, non-profits, businesses and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.